Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

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George Khanishvili meets John A. Pennel, USAID Mission Director, and USAID/Georgia Economic Growth Director Marika Olson.

The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Mr. George Khanishvili held a meeting with Mr.  John A. Pennel, USAID Mission Director, and USAID/Georgia Economic Growth Director, Mrs. Marika Olson.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the possibilities of continuing the " Plant Safety System Initiative’’ to strengthen the phytosanitary capacity of the National Food Agency and highlighted prospects for future cooperation.

Mr. Khanishvili thanked the American government and the US Agency for International Development for long-standing cooperation and emphasized the importance of the support provided to the National Food Agency.

"We are making our best efforts to fulfil EU requirements. The project, which ensures plant protection, will be completed shortly. I would like to note that, thanks to the mentioned project, we were able to effectively combat the invasion of an Asian stink bug, although we still face challenges. 

The EU assessment document provides guidelines for us on how to implement the specified normative acts. 
However, if the program  " Plant Safety System Initiative’’is extended we will have an opportunity to create an electronic plant protection program that ensures full traceability. As a result, we will be able to manufacture safe and high-quality products and export them to European Union markets. Your assistance is crucial to achieving these objectives," stated Mr. George Khanishvili.

"Any other form of assistance will be rendered ineffective if the government fails to analyze phytosanitary concerns, conduct proper monitoring, and provide risk management measures. If the "Plant Safety System Initiative program" is continued, we will be capable of achieving these goals," said Mr. Zura Chekurashvili, the head of the National Food Agency.
Mr. Pennell spoke at length about the importance of partnership and friendly relations between the two countries, emphasizing the need for continuing cooperation.

According to Mrs. Marika Olson, the International Development Agency of the United States of America intends Georgian products to be competitive on international markets to the greatest extent possible. Mrs. Olson expressed willingness to collaborate with the Georgian side in the respective area.